Easy Mirepoix Seasoning Blend
One of the key functions of mirepoix is to provide a solid foundation of flavor upon which other ingredients can build. Whether it’s a hearty beef stew, a velvety tomato sauce, or a delicate vegetable soup, mirepoix sets the stage for a symphony of tastes and textures, allowing each component to shine while contributing to the overall harmony of the dish.
While mirepoix has its roots in French cuisine, its influence extends far beyond traditional culinary boundaries. Chefs and home cooks around the world have embraced mirepoix as a versatile ingredient that can be tailored to suit a variety of tastes and cuisines. From Italian ragù to Spanish sofrito and beyond, the concept of aromatic vegetable bases transcends cultural borders, showcasing the universal appeal of mirepoix in the culinary landscape.
Fresh mirepoix, diced and ready to use, is a convenient way to infuse your dishes with aromatic flavor and nutrients. Whether you're preparing a hearty soup, a savory stew, or a flavorful sauce, mastering the art of dicing mirepoix is an essential skill for any cook.
- 1 cup yellow onion (skin peeled and diced)
- 1/2 cup celery (diced)
- 1/2 cup carrot (peeled and diced)
- Dicing Onions
- Start by peeling the onion and cutting off the root end. Cut the onion in half from root to tip.
- Lay one half flat on the cutting board and make horizontal cuts parallel to the cutting board, being careful not to cut all the way through the root end.
- Make vertical cuts perpendicular to the cutting board, again being careful not to cut through the root end.
- Finally, make downward cuts across the onion, perpendicular to the previous cuts, to dice the onion into small pieces. Repeat with the other half of the onion.
- Aim to yield approximately 1 cup of diced onions for your mirepoix recipe.
- Dicing Carrots
- Peel the carrots and trim off the ends. Cut the carrots into manageable lengths.
- Slice each carrot lengthwise into planks, then stack the planks and cut them into strips.
- Finally, dice the strips into small pieces to achieve approximately 1/2 cup of diced carrots for your mirepoix recipe.
- Dicing Celery
- Trim off the root end and any leafy tops from the celery stalks. Cut the stalks into manageable lengths.
- Slice each stalk lengthwise into thin strips, then stack the strips and cut them into small pieces.
- Aim to yield approximately 1 cup of diced celery for your mirepoix recipe.
Tips for Incorporating Fresh Mirepoix:
- Once you've diced your onions, carrots, and celery, you can immediately incorporate them into your recipes.
- Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large pot or skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced mirepoix to the pot and sauté until softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- Use the sautéed mirepoix as a flavor base for soups, stews, sauces, and more, allowing it to infuse your dishes with savory depth and aroma.
Recipes that include Mirepoix:
Gluten Free Chicken Noodle Soup
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Although anyone can use a cutting board and knife to chop, dice, or mince food, I hate getting onion on my hands and making my eyes water. Not to mention, peeling, chopping, dicing, mincing can add to my meal prep time. I love using this PrepNaturals 9 in 1 Vegetable Chopper and Mandoline. This essential veg chopper & mandoline includes all you need- 2 different grater blades, large & fine chopper, and even an egg separator! Highly functional and durable, you'll prep your meals in a flash! I can chop, slice, dice, mince, grate and even separate eggs using this handy dandy tool! Waffle fries anyone? Yes, please! You can use this tool for that too!
Making this in large batches and storing in freezer can ensure you have this homemade mirepoix throughout the year, even when fresh vegetables are not in season. Trust me, you will elevate your canning and food preservation game with the Granite Ware Enamel-on-steel 12-Piece Canner Kit. This comprehensive set includes a 21.5 qt. Water Bath Canner, Jar Rack, Blancher, Colander, and 5 pc. Canning Tool Set, perfect for preserving homemade syrups, preserves, and blanching vegetables before freezer storage. Take your canning and preservation skills to the next level! Before you freeze Mirepoix, you will need to blanche the celery and the carrots, then plunge them in an ice batch to stop the cooking process. This will help make the mirepoix freeze better and take less time to cook straight from the freezer.